TYNE VALLEY, P.E.I. - A downpour of rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd pouring through the gates of Green Park to soak in the bass and drums, colourful lights and relaxing feel-good vibes at the Rock the Boat Music Festival on Saturday afternoon.
Among the spectators gathered near the stage were Jake Collings and Sarah Wright who admitted the event has become a tradition for them.
“We caught some of the rain today, but it’s not holding us back from the best music festival,” chimed Collings, from Sturgeon, P.E.I.
Wright travelled from Antigonish, N.S., to see Canadian rock musician Kim Mitchell strum his guitar on stage.
“My favourite songs of his are Go For Soda and Patio Lanterns. I’ve grown up listening to them,” she said.
Mitchell charted countless musical hits through the 1980’s and ‘90s and attracted an excited audience of both young and old at the event.
Robert Gregoire, from Charlottetown, was among the Kim Mitchell fans.
“I’m here with my two buddies to see Kim Mitchell. My other buddies and girlfriend are huge fans of The Glorious Sons, so we had to come and see both acts. Mitchell just wrapped up and it was a great show, now we’re waiting for the next big headliner,” he said.
Tyne Valley Oyster Festival is a major fundraiser for the community. Jeff Noye, the event chairman, announced during the break between headliners that last year the funds raised helped pay off “the entire mortgage of the Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre.”
Noye thanked the countless volunteers, sponsors and funders, especially the festival goers that have helped make the event such a huge success.
Performers at the event included The Royal North, Andrew Waite and The Firm, The Ellis Family Band, Danny Drouin, and Brad Milligan.
For more information visit, www.tvoysterfest.ca/rock-the-boat.
